While service to children and families is the purpose of Global Volunteers programs, working alongside local people is the best way to experience culture and traditions in your host country. Learn more about some of the customs, language and history that comes alive when serving for one, two or three weeks with Global Volunteers.
Volunteering abroad with Global Volunteers ensures you’ll serve children and families in partner communities, and also experience different cultures in some of the world’s most fascinating settings. The Cook Islands is one of our service program destinations whose people and landscapes will captivate you. These free-time options on the main island of Rarotonga rival those […]
Each summer, since 2000 (except for 2020), Global Volunteers has worked in partnerships with the Blackfeet people on community priorities – focusing on labor, elder services and family health and recreation projects. The first volunteer team in 2022 – 10 individuals aged19 to 73 – served from June 5-11. Thirteen service programs follow through early […]
Christmas or (Xristouyenna- Christouyenna) meaning “the birth of Christ” is one of the most important celebrations within the Greek Orthodox church. Traditions vary depending on which region or Island one is from. Here are a few of the popular traditions celebrated in Greece as reported by Greece Country Manager Sam Pinakoulaki: Kalikantzari During the 12-day […]
Daniel Salazar, former Peru Country Manager, presents this list of the top three crazy things Peruvians do on Christmas. This is #2: Panettone on Christmas. #2. Peruvians love their Panettone on Christmas: For some reason, Peruvians love to eat certain foods during particular times of the year or holidays. We will talk about that later. For now, […]
Daniel Salazar, former Peru Country Manager, writes about the top three crazy things Peruvians do on Christmas. This is #1: Hot Chocolate During Christmas. #1. Hot Chocolate During Christmas Another Christmas tradition in Peru is drinking hot chocolate. Hot chocolate in Peru is made out of cacao melted with milk and sometimes mixed with coffee and spices. Of […]
Daniel Salazar, former Peru Country Manager, writes about “three crazy things Peruvians do to celebrate Christmas.” This is #3: Fireworks on Christmas. #3 Fireworks on Christmas: Everyone loves fireworks – except for dogs. You might have nice memories of fireworks on the 4th of July or on your trip to Disney. That is nice, but Peruvians take […]
When you think of Greece, what comes to mind? The rise of democracy? The Olympic Games, ancient history and philosophy, Minotaurs and mythology? Perhaps you think of magnificent temples, the clear waters of the Aegean Sea, sandy beaches, mountain villages, or small windy roads blocked by sheep and goats. Greece is also known as the […]
Volunteers serving in Poland get a unique opportunity to stay at a beautiful and comfortable 200-year-old restored manor house named Reymontówka in Siedlce County. It is, for many volunteers, a highlight of their service program. Reymontówka has a very rich history, having been purchased with award funds by Nobel Laureate Władysław Reymont’s widow, later being […]
Six-time Global Volunteer Ann Sweeney has served in Cuba three times – including twice for New Year’s celebrations, where she enjoyed Cuban graciousness and tradition. She writes of making connections and nurturing friendships as the focus for Cubans at this very special time of year. By Ann Sweeney After the first train whistle blasted in […]
In the midst of all the challenges of 2020 and a seemingly never-ending pandemic, our community partner in Peru, Sagrada Familia children’s home, sends a Christmas video message to all Global Volunteers alumni and supporters. by Peru Country Manager Daniel Salazar Full of hope and meaning, this message lifts me up and remind us all […]